The Zurich Conspiracy

stuff. Granola bars, sports food, astronaut dog food.” Josefa chewed listlessly on an energy bar.
    “Would you rather drag a ton of food around with you? This is all concentrated in a few bites. Very practical, you’ve got to admit.” Pius turned down the gas stove.
    “Sure, it’s practical, but it doesn’t particularly stimulate the appetite. Better to concentrate liquids down to a few drops. Water is good and heavy, all right.”
    “But it gives you some hot tea. That feels good, right?”
    They were sitting on a rocky ledge in a flat hollow. It’s true the steaming liquid slowly thawed her out. Josefa hadn’t given much thought to how cold underground caves could be. She was wearing thermal underwear—also borrowed from Helene—but cold was creeping into all her limbs nevertheless. “I’ve got to pee,” she admitted.
    “Me too.” Pius stood up. “I’ll go around the corner and take the flashlight. Then you won’t be disturbed.”
    Josefa waited until he was out of sight. Her numb fingers made it hard to undo the many layers of clothing and then get them back in order. She had just finished when Pius returned.
    “Josefa, what would you think if I go off for a little while to look for a fork? I was here last winter with a guide, and he showed me a second way in. If I can find it, that would shorten the way back. Are you OK with that?”
    “I’d rather you not.” As long as Pius was with her she felt safe. But she didn’t want to sit and wait down here alone.
    “No need to be afraid. It’s only ten minutes out and ten minutes back. Nothing can happen. But it would save us the two hours it took us to crawl in here.”
    A tempting prospect. The last few hours were really very strenuous. And even continual movement didn’t generate enough body heat for her to feel comfortable.
    “So, twenty minutes?”
    “Yes, not a minute more. Either I find the way out or I don’t. Can you do it? What do you think?” Pius regarded her almost pleadingly.
    “OK,” she gave in. “But I’m taking you at your word!”
    “You’ve got the whistle too, don’t forget that.” Pius started off. “Be right back.”
    Josefa heard knocking and rattling noises for a few moments. Then it went quiet.
    Sunday, February 9
    Photographer Klaus Winiker says former colleague of P.T., Joseph Müller called “Joe,” works in Internet café in CentStn. Müller does not know where P.T. is. Not seen him for quite a long time. Says he can phone an acquaintance. But will not give me tel. Joe phones acquaintance. Says she is not home. Cell phone number not known. Leave Internet café, have call traced immediately. Phone belongs to J. Rehmer.
    J.R. cannot be reached, and not by cell phone. Call her father. Doesn’t know where she is. Gives Paul Klingler’s number, business consultant, J.R. sometimes works for. Klingler says she signed out for one week vacation. Skiing somewhere in west of Switzerland. Go to J.R.’s apartment. Neighbor Esther Ardelius says she looks after place while J.R. on vacation. Gives us name of Rehmer’s friend Helene Meyer, ornithologist, Zurich Uni. Find Meyer there. Says J.R. skiing in Crans. Then to tour dripstone cave not open to public with P.T. Police in Crans check all hotels. Meyer says she can find cave researcher, an expert.
    Zwicker has approval for questioning in London. P.H. wants to make statement with lawyer present. Zwicker on way to airport.

Josefa looked at her watch again. Half an hour had already gone by. Ten minutes late, that was explainable. If only time didn’t pass so slowly down here. Pius must be in the vicinity by now. She picked up the whistle and blew it. The penetrating sound was deafening. Only an echo came back in response.
    Maybe Pius answered when her ears were still buzzing. This time she plugged her ears with her fingers before blowing. Nothing. Just an echo. She stood up and stretched her legs as much as she was able to on that little ledge. Perhaps I should go around the corner and whistle from there. Maybe the rock walls cut off the sound.
    She whistled once, twice, three times. Nothing. Did he even have a whistle on him? She couldn’t remember. How stupid . She was annoyed with herself. Why did she let him go off against all the dictates of reason? Pius must know that she was worried now. Why is he doing this to me? He’s got cave experience, and I don’t!
    Josefa kept moving her legs so they wouldn’t go to sleep. She was cold.
    Maybe Pius